Veracruz, Mexico, October 12, 2026 — At the iconic Gran Hotel Diligencias, we officially unveiled the trailer for YANGA 1609, our historical fiction short film inspired by the life and legacy of Yanga, a pivotal figure in the fight against slavery in New Spain.

The event brought together local authorities, historians, cultural leaders, partners, special guests, and members of the media for a day dedicated to sharing the progress of a production that aims to introduce this important chapter of history to new audiences.

The choice of Veracruz as the venue carried special significance. As one of the principal ports through which Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas during the colonial period, Veracruz remains deeply connected to this history. Presenting the trailer here allowed the project to be rooted in a place closely tied to that collective memory.

«We do not want the history of our town to remain a mere anecdote. We want it to cross borders and honor those who, through intelligence, strength, courage, and above all, a deep love of freedom, wrote the glorious history of our people.»

— Patricia Batista, co-producer of the short film and a native of Yanga

A Story Rooted in Its Origins

One of the most meaningful moments of the presentation was the participation of Patricia Batista, co-producer of the short film and a native of Yanga. Her commitment to preserving the history of her community was the spark that helped bring this project to life alongside the production team.

Drawing from her experience as an educator and her close connection to the municipality, she spoke about the importance of helping children and young people understand their heritage and take pride in their history.

“We do not want the history of our town to remain a mere anecdote. We want it to cross borders and honor those who, through intelligence, strength, courage, and above all, a deep love of freedom, wrote the glorious history of our people.”

Patricia also thanked the producers for their trust, support, and sensitivity throughout the process, emphasizing the collaborative vision behind the project. Beyond making a film, the goal is to ensure that Yanga’s legacy reaches a broader audience.

The Man Behind the Historical Figure

For Elías Gómez Castro, director and screenwriter of YANGA 1609, one of the greatest challenges has been transforming a story inspired by historical events into a cinematic experience that allows audiences to connect with the humanity of its protagonist.

The film goes beyond depicting battles or historical milestones. It explores the emotions, relationships, and choices of a man who defied the conditions of his time to fight for the freedom of his people.

During his remarks, Gómez Castro also reflected on the distinction between freedom and independence:

«For me, there is a profound difference between independence and freedom. Independence can be shaped by interests, agreements, or specific circumstances. Freedom, on the other hand, is beyond description. It is something a person may choose to defend with their own life, at any cost.»

— Elías Gómez Castro, director and screenwriter of YANGA 1609

Another meaningful aspect of the production was the participation of residents from the municipality of Yanga, both as cast members and contributors to various stages of filming. Their involvement allowed members of today’s community to play an active role in telling a story deeply connected to their own heritage.

Harding Junior: Bringing Yanga to Life Through His Own Roots

Haitian-Mexican actor Harding Junior, who portrays Yanga in the film, spoke about both the excitement and responsibility of playing such an important historical figure.

For him, portraying Yanga is also a personal journey, one that connects him to his own roots and to the broader legacy of Afro-descendant communities. During the presentation, he expressed his gratitude for being part of a production willing to explore a fundamental chapter of Mexican history through cinema.

Harding emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for stories like this to be seen on screen and discovered by audiences who may never have had the chance to learn about them.

His performance seeks to bridge the historical significance of the character with themes that remain deeply relevant today: dignity, identity, heritage, and the right to live in freedom.

The Talent Behind YANGA 1609

The panel featured cast members Maxwell Mugendi and Karla Cerón; executive producer Pedro Topke; co-producer Patricia Batista; director and screenwriter Elías Gómez Castro; lead actor Harding Junior; Antonio Carrera, who portrays the Spanish captain; and Alan Rodríguez Batista, head of production design and casting.

The project also includes acclaimed Mexican actress Daniela Torres, who serves as assistant director and acting coach, supporting both the performers and the creative development of the scenes. Although prior professional commitments prevented her from attending the event in Veracruz, she sent her greetings and best wishes to the team and audience.

Her contribution was also showcased in the behind-the-scenes feature presented during the event.

The Next Step: The Festival Journey

Executive producer Pedro Topke thanked the individuals, companies, and partners whose support has helped make YANGA 1609 possible. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in bringing an independent production with national and international ambitions to life.

As part of its distribution strategy, the short film is set to embark on a festival run across Mexico and abroad, with the goal of sharing this story with audiences around the world.

As a highlight of the event, it was officially announced that YANGA 1609 has been selected for the New York Kwanzaa Film Festival in the Trailer & Showcase category.

This recognition marks an important milestone for the project and a source of pride for the entire team behind the production. The selection provides a valuable opportunity to share, on an international stage, a story deeply rooted in memory, Afro-descendant heritage, and the enduring struggle for freedom.

The story of Yanga is beginning to cross borders. And this is only the beginning.

On behalf of STUDIO-C | Casa Creativa and the entire YANGA 1609 team, we extend our sincere gratitude to the authorities, historians, guests, partners, and members of the media who joined us for this event, as well as the journalists and members of the Veracruz State Journalists Association (APEV) for their presence and coverage.

We remain committed to bringing YANGA 1609 to new screens and inspiring conversations about a story that deserves to be known far beyond its place of origin.

«Before there was a nation, there was already a free people.»

— YANGA 1609